Birth Anniversary Special: Remembering Ludhiana’s Popular Poet ‘Sahir Ludhianvi’

‘Kabhie Kabhie Mere Dil Me Khayal Aata Hai’ is a song which resides in the heart of everyone. This song which was picturized on Amitabh Bachchan in the film ‘Kabhie Kabhie’ was written by the famous poet and lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi.

The lyrics of the song fetched him Filmfare Best Lyricist in 1976. He would have been ninety nine years old had he been alive today. Let us remember the poet and lyricist from Ludhiana whose words directly hit the hearts.

From Lahore To ‘Parchaiyaan’

Born in Ludhiana on March 8, 1921 to a Muslim landlord family, Sahir moved to Lahore during partition. But his bold statements over communism while being a part of ‘Progressive Writers’ Association’ made him earn hatred. Government of Pakistan’s legal stand against him forced him to leave the place and take shelter in Delhi, India. From there he began his journey towards ‘Parchaiyaan’. After spending some time in Delhi, he migrated to Bombay where he lived nearby Gulzar, another gem from the field of literature. There he built his house with the name of ‘Parchaiyaan’ which means shadows.

Unsuccessful Love

Sahir Ludhianvi succeeded in his entire life in various arenas but he could never win love. He was associated with many women but he never married. His relationship with the popular writer and poetess ‘Amrita Pritam’ and Urdu novelist ‘Hajira Masroor’ became headlines but his love couldn’t reach the final destination of ‘Forever’.

Few Of His Notable Works

He has earned a huge respect in the Indian music industry because of his exceptional work. Few of his notable works include in the film ‘Pyasa’ of Guru Dutt, ‘Taj Mahal’, ‘Phir Subhah Hogi’ and others. He collaborated with ‘Khayyam’, ‘Lata Mangeshkar’ and many other eminent personalities of the Indian music industry. He was awarded with Padma Shri in 1971 for his contributions.

Sahir Ludianvi has given some immortal songs to the Indian music industry. He died due to cardiac arrest while he was with his friend Javed Akhtar who is also a famous lyricist of Bollywood.

Sahir Ludhianvi had a charming personality which attracted everyone. His wisdom, his writing style and his aura made him earn an important place in the industry.

Let us wrap up with few of the words from his pen which indicate that life is temporary. He once wrote, ‘Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hu, Pal Do Pal Meri Kahani Hai’, Pal Do Pal Meri Hasti Hai, Pal Do Pal Meri Jawani hai’. Little did he know, he would reside in the world not for few moments but forever. He still lives in the form of his poetry.